Acupressure on Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Jun 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how self-administered acupressure may help patients with head and neck cancer who are experiencing dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia. The goal is to see if using acupressure can improve their symptoms better than just receiving information about oral health. The researchers also want to find out if this method can enhance the overall quality of life for these patients and how well they accept using acupressure on their own.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. You should have completed your radiation or chemotherapy treatment at least two weeks prior and be experiencing dry mouth as a side effect. Participants must also be able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin. Throughout the trial, you’ll be guided on how to perform acupressure, and your experiences will be closely monitored. It’s important to note that if you’ve had dry mouth before your cancer treatment or have recently used acupressure, you may not be eligible to join. This study is not yet recruiting participants, so there will be more updates on how to get involved soon.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age ≥18 years;
• • able to give informed consent;
• • diagnosed with head and neck cancer (cancers in the head and neck region, e.g. oral cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer);
• • completed radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy for at least 2 weeks;
• • complains of xerostomia after the treatment;
• • able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • history of xerostomia prior to head and neck cancer treatment (e.g., Sjögren Syndrome);
• • practiced acupressure or received acupuncture in the last 3 months;
• • having contraindications to acupressure, e.g. blood system disease (e.g., leukemia); pregnancy; lactating; upper or lower extremity deformities; infection or injuries at the acupoints.
• • Those who are taking medications/alternative substances to treat xerostomia on a fixed dosage regimen in the past one month will not be excluded.
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